The previous chapters of this study have revealed a number of matters on which the present level of information and analysis is defective, and where more research could lead to better policy formulation and development.
In all zones we need more information about the spacing of livestock and grazing pressure in relation to water points. There is a small amount of information about this for the arid zone, mainly in terms of vegetation composition and denuded areas; there is virtually no information for other zones. We need to know more about the impact of herding, in contrast to free-ranging or paddocking, in obtaining an even spread of grazing pressure.
We know very little about traditional watering practices in semi-arid and higher potential areas. What information we have, on frequency and amount of watering, and on distance trekked, comes from the arid zone. Similarly in the higher potential zones we know very little about the control of access to water points and their management, or about other 'strategies' for coping with water shortage.
Although there is a considerable literature for the arid zones about watering 'norms', i.e. what people think practices are or should be, there is very little that actually records what individual animals do. It is possible that 'norms' diverge from 'actual practice' substantially (in the way, for example, that they do for migration patterns), and that a study of these deviations would throw useful light on animal requirements and on constraints that prevent these being met.
The very high failure/breakdown rate for water points suggests that design standards being used are inappropriate. There appears to be a lack of suitable guidance based on local experience. Although this is not exactly 'research', the production of appropriate design manuals could be useful.
The collection of water fees is important for the successful operation and maintenance of water points. A cross-country study could be useful in throwing light on satisfactory methods for assessing fees, collecting them, and channelling the money into ensuring the efficient operation of water supplies.
